What’s the weather like? Always sunny and warm!

When you’re planning a holiday, it’s always good to know what the weather is like at your destination. But if you’re traveling to Puerto Escondido, the planning is easy. It’s going to be sunny and warm. Indeed, the average mean temperature throughout the year is about 27 or 28 and you’ll rarely see it go below 20 at night or above 34 in the day.

If you don’t mind a bit of rain and the occasional thunderstorm, visit any time between July and October, although you’ll probably find September is the wettest month.

There are some variations in the weather during the year, so we have compiled a monthly summary so you can be certain you’re well prepared. And we’ve thrown in a few ideas for your holiday planning.

JANUARY

Outlook: sunny but cool at night. The low in 2011 was 20. Locals will be wearing jackets and sweaters in the morning and evening but shedding them during the day when you might see it climb to 32. It will not rain.
What to do: This is a Puerto Music month so take in a concert on the beach.

FEBRUARY

Outlook: Sunny, though according to the website weatherspark.com this is the final month of the “cold season.” And yes, looking at weather records your daytime high might not exceed 30. But you can leave your umbrella at home.
What to do: Lots. This is Carnaval month, when Puerto lets loose for a few days, and Puerto Music continues with more great concerts. Watch for the Rotary Club’s annual Valentine’s Dance, and there are two annual fairs: one in Chila and the other in Santa María Colotepec.

MARCH

Outlook: Another sunny month, and a tad warmer now that the “cold season” is officially over. And it won’t rain.
What to do: You might still be able to catch a Puerto Music concert. If not, there are plenty of bars and restaurants offering live music. In either March or April is Semana Santa, or Holy Week. Some people avoid it like the plague because it brings hordes of tourists from Mexico City, Oaxaca, Puebla and other places. Others enjoy the event. This is, after all, a tourist town.

APRIL

Outlook: We can safely call for sunshine and a slight increase in temperature. Plus, according to one set of figures, the average seawater temperature will be 26, up from the chilly 25 of the previous three months. You can still leave the umbrella behind.
What to do: Well, given the increase in water temperature a swim is probably in order. Where to go? See our section on beaches.

MAY

Outlook: Time for a precipitation alert, code yellow. It might rain. It is also going to be warmer at night so put away the pajamas and make sure the air conditioner is ready to go.
What to do: If you haven’t already done so, join Gina Machorro from the information booth on the Adoquín for an enlightening and informative walking tour of Puerto Escondido. Whatever you do, don’t go to Oaxaca. Wait at least a couple of months, perhaps till July and the Guelaguetza. We’re entering the annual protest season when blockades shut things down. You’ll be happier in Puerto Escondido.

JUNE

Outlook: Now we start wishing it would rain because the average mean temperature is up a degree to 28. We won’t, however, wish for hurricanes. It’s not really hurricane season yet but that didn’t stop Carlotta from stopping by in 2012. But relax: the frequency of these events is far greater to the northwest, beyond Acapulco. Hurricanes are rare in Puerto Escondido.
What to do: Head for the hills. That’s right, time to flee the heat and humidity if you can and enjoy the cooler temperatures of the Sierra. Santo Reyes Nopala, San Mateo, San Jose del Pacifico — these mountain towns all beckon at this time of year.

JULY

Outlook: Get out the umbrella, but don’t put away the sunscreen. It may be raining now, but it won’t be in a couple of hours’ time. Be prepared for some spectacular electrical storms. And by the way, you’ll be pleased to hear the official warm season is now over.
What to do: Surf’s up so head down to Zicatela, La Punta or (great for learners) Carrizalillo. This is also the month of the Coco Nogales juniors event at La Punta. And consider a trip to Oaxaca city for the annual Guelaguetza.

AUGUST

Outlook: Mostly sunny, with periods of rain.
What to do: Head for the beach and have a bath: the water temperature should be up around 29 by now. If you’ve tried all of Puerto’s beaches, consider going down to Agua Blanca, about a half-hour drive down the coastal highway. If the tide’s right you can enjoy some very sweet tidal pools to soak in. And soaking up a few beers is optional as well, along with lunch, at one of the beach palapas. (Pulupa palapa and have a seat!)

SEPTEMBER

Outlook: OK, so keep the umbrella handy. This is the month with the highest likelihood of rain, on 39 per cent of days to be precise. But the rainfall graph takes a plunge after this month, and hours of sunshine per day is on the upswing. Like 30 minutes more.
What to do: Celebrate Mexican independence with the Grito of Dolores, or cry of patriotism, and other events at the Agencia Municipal. Wave a flag (a Mexican flag, that is) and enjoy the fun.

OCTOBER

Outlook: Don’t put away the umbrella quite yet. It might rain some more. Otherwise mostly sunny.
What to do: Try to get on a turtle tour and see the amazing arrival of thousands of turtles; they’re here to lay their eggs. Turtle releases are also popular over the next few months when the babies hatch and are helped down the beach to the sea as part of efforts to revlitalize the population. Don’t go asking for turtle soup. See our turtles story for more information.

NOVEMBER

Outlook: Another sunny month with perhaps a spot of rain here and there, but you might see a one degree drop in the average mean, putting it at 26.
What to do: It’s time for the Fiestas de Noviembre, when a whole raft of events keep visitors and locals occupied in Puerto Escondido. Musical concerts, cultural events, gastronomic displays, a fishing derby, a surf competition, motocross and a lot more will keep you well entertained.

DECEMBER

Outlook: Yes, it’s going to be mostly sunny yet again, but there is a weather warning in effect. No, not hurricanes, but winter. The cold season, according to weatherspark.com, begins December 16 and ends February 25 with the average daily high under — gasp! — 29. Grab a jacket on January 16, reported to be the year’s coldest day with an average low of 22 and high of 28.
What to do: What isn’t there to do in December? Christmas is big in Mexico and Christmas week is like Easter: lots of national tourists along with the international ones. The festival of the Virgen de la Soledad is one to watch for, when a procession takes a statue of the Virgin Mary down to the beach and on to one of the fishboats, which then leads nearly every boat in Playa Principal out to La Punta and back. There are parades and, of course, fireworks that are really dangerous, but only in places that are competing for a Guinness record for government regulation. Enjoy the show and avert your eyes if you see sparks coming your way! And if you have access to Canadian satellite TV create a nice cozy and homey feel with the traditional Shaw Yule log on Christmas Day!